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Newb Intro, Trans Am or FFE ?

Discussion in 'Motor Carrier Questions - The Inside Scoop' started by Wharf Rat, May 2, 2011.

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  1. May 2, 2011 #1
    Wharf Rat

    Wharf Rat Light Load Member

    229
    158
    May 2, 2011
    Bridgeville, DE
    0
    Hi All:

    I've been lurking here a few weeks as I finish getting my CDL in hopes/plans of making a career change. I'm 45, tired of working for myself in the insurance inspection business and can't afford two more years of school for a maybe job with a bachelors degree. Going to DMV on Thursday to take my road exam and get my license. I have a pre-hire from Trans-Am, and FFE wants me to call back on Thursday after I get my license so they can pull it up on the computer. I have referral from a local driver for FFE, but if they, or no one else calls me back...I may have to go to Trans-AM.
    I'm well aware of the horror stories on both companies, so I was really just looking for positive info on either company, plus I wanted to step in and say hi.

    And no, I 'm not going to lease.

    I've enjoyed the info here and only belong to one other forum ( XDTalk), you people seem to be on the same page and I like the comraderie and good advice given here.

    Ok... that's enough for now....I'll check back later....Be safe.
     
    Wharf Rat, May 2, 2011
    Wharf Rat, May 2, 2011
    #1
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  3. May 2, 2011 #2
    majortom

    majortom Light Load Member

    116
    13
    Jan 28, 2011
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    ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
     
    Last edited: May 2, 2011
    majortom, May 2, 2011
    majortom, May 2, 2011
    #2
  4. May 2, 2011 #3
    Mastertech

    Mastertech Staff Leader / Admin Staff Member Administrator

    117,210
    29,323
    Dec 28, 2007
    3rd Rock From The Sun.
    0
    That's no way to treat a new member... what's up with that majortom.
     
    Mastertech, May 2, 2011
    Mastertech, May 2, 2011
    #3
  5. May 2, 2011 #4
    majortom

    majortom Light Load Member

    116
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    Jan 28, 2011
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    Ah shoot, sorry guys.

    Just let my feelings get the best of me, as I also changed careers in my 40's.

    Let me try again:

    Hey Wharfrat,

    Is OTR what you want to do? Pre-hires are not something to predicate your career upon. Larger companies will just send them out as easily as granny sends Christmas cards.

    I see you're from Delaware. FFE and Trans-AM are long haul carriers. Is this what you had in mind for a career?

    How long are you wanting to stay out at a time? Do you want to run 48 states, or east coast? Do you want to be a local driver?

    Many different opportunities for an east-coaster. It all depends on what you want, and, what you are willing to put in to it.

    Regards,
    majortom
     
    Last edited: May 2, 2011
    majortom, May 2, 2011
    majortom, May 2, 2011
    #4
  7. May 2, 2011 #5
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,676
    12,237
    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
    0
    Wharf Rat, welcome. Getting on board with a great company is every newbies dream. Both companies mentioned are well established operations. I worked for FFE 3 times in the '90s. They were so-so. Just remember, you have to follow directions and be flexable and roll with the flow. It won't be perfect, but you'll soon find out that trucking isn't for everyone. Remember, YOU work for them, they are in the transportation business, and you will be called on to "get er done". And as a member of the Truckers Report staff, I apoligize for Major toms response.
     
    Allow Me., May 2, 2011
    Allow Me., May 2, 2011
    #5
  8. May 3, 2011 #6
    Wharf Rat

    Wharf Rat Light Load Member

    229
    158
    May 2, 2011
    Bridgeville, DE
    0
    Sorry, typed a long winded response and lost the whole thing when I went to preview it. Don't sweat the comments Maj.Tom, I can handle it. I wasn't in sales. Read the post again.
    I've applied to 7 others, just waiting it out right now, but need to make a decision in a few weeks just the same. I already travel 2-3 weeks at a time, so a year or so OTR to get some experience is not going to hurt me. Local gigs all want at least a year, if not 2-3 from what I have seen. Sure I would love a local job that pays well, but soon I'll need to go with whoever is going to get me started. Out for now.....
     
    Wharf Rat, May 3, 2011
    Wharf Rat, May 3, 2011
    #6
  9. May 3, 2011 #7
    majortom

    majortom Light Load Member

    116
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    Jan 28, 2011
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    Sorry comes from this end.

    Moving on......Yeah, I did go back and saw that you were at the inspection, as opposed to sales part of the industry. My bad. My apologies if you read anything before I (RIGHTFULLY) had my ### chewed by the mods. I've felt like #### about it all day.

    Back to business..

    I sense that you are really wanting local work. DO NOT take the classified ads as 100% truth regarding experience neeeded for local work!!!!!!! These companies are often REQUESTING that type of experience. But will bend (as opposed to what many will tell you on this board) as long as the INSURANCE company will accept you on to the policy. And often, they (INSURANCE) will.

    LOL..... It amuses me how many times I look at a profile here and the time line regarding driving =====EX DRIVER!!!!!

    Many of these so-called "experts" here will drill into your head!! !!!!1-2 years experience before going local!!!!!

    Not at all the truth. I proved them wrong.

    Rock on inspector! Just remember. Unless you are very careful, you can easily fall in to the "clan" of folks that have will advise you that sitting at a truck stop for 3 days (for around 40-75 dollars a day) is "just part of the job." The newness (sic) will wear off quickly..................

    Beat the bushes hard with local companies before you launch into something that might (will) prove to be a monumental mistake.


    Best wishes,

    majortom
     
    majortom, May 3, 2011
    majortom, May 3, 2011
    #7
  10. May 4, 2011 #8
    The Challenger

    The Challenger Kinghunter

    7,127
    3,367
    Dec 22, 2007
    East Central FL
    0
    FFE and if you can get on with them, Swift. Also, try Danny Herman Trucking. Welcome to the forum and please browse around and ask all the questions you want. We are here for you.

    KH
     
    The Challenger, May 4, 2011
    The Challenger, May 4, 2011
    #8
  11. May 6, 2011 #9
    Wharf Rat

    Wharf Rat Light Load Member

    229
    158
    May 2, 2011
    Bridgeville, DE
    0
    Ok...I passed my State Exam:biggrin_25520: and have CDL in hand. I have a few new prospects as well. I can now choose between KLLM, Covenant, Trans-AM, Con-Way Truckload ( OTR), and FFE. I would guess my two top choices are KLLM and FFE, though to be honest, I haven't ruled out Trans-AM as a place to start. FFE sounds the best of the five from driver input here and speaking with a local driver, though their starting pay seems a little low(.26p/m). I like KLLM, but am worried about a truck shortage mentioned here. Both FFE and KLLM have tuition reimbursement, and since I paid for my school, this appeals to me as well. Trans-AM does not have tuition reimbursement; they said "we pay more and don't want people tied into a contract" ( seemed odd as they like to push the lease deal). I am struggling making this critical decision at this time. I have placed a few calls on some local jobs, but am not getting replies. I almost wish I didn't have as many options and feel funny saying that. It feels good to be looking at the next phase though just the same.
    Thanks for everyone's input so far, and please, keep it coming.
    Safe travels to you.
     
    Wharf Rat, May 6, 2011
    Wharf Rat, May 6, 2011
    #9
  12. May 6, 2011 #10
    zyk285

    zyk285 Medium Load Member

    453
    68
    Sep 14, 2010
    North Carolina
    0
    I would go with Con-Way or TransAm, just don't lease with TransAm.
     
    zyk285, May 6, 2011
    zyk285, May 6, 2011
    #10
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